유엔기후변화협약 당사국총회(COP)의 도전 과제와 에너지 전환 관점에서의 한국의 대응 필요성

Challenges of COP under the UNFCCC and Korea’s Energy Transition Response

Many environmental activists have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of COP in addressing climate change, criticizing their agreements as empty promises that fail to adequately confront the urgent climate crisis. Nevertheless, COPs remain crucial for uniting counties toward a common goal and fostering coordinated action to address climate change. This paper argues that, while many countries, including South Korea, are pursuing the seemingly contradictory policies of striving for carbon neutrality while simultaneously developing new fossil fuel projects, COP meetings play a vital role in shaping national climate policies. It examines key issues discussed at COP 28 and COP 29—particularly the phase-out of fossil fuels in the energy sector, the implementation mechanisms of Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, and loss and damage funds— and their significance in accelerating South Korea’s energy transition efforts. By focusing on these issues, the paper evaluates South Korea’s current policies and examines the tangible outcomes and broader influence of the COP meetings.